President Osmani met with the representatives of American Councils and KAEF
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, today hosted the representatives of the American Councils and the Kosovo-American Education Fund (KAEF). President Osmani expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the continuous support that this program offers to Kosovar students, enabling them to study in the United States of America, emphasizing that these exchanges are in the joint interest of both countries. President Osmani also added that such programs further expand the cooperation between the two countries. The opportunities that such a program offers for the development and advancement of key sectors and numerous professions in the country, including many innovative and very important fields and programs for the development of the labour market in accordance with the latest trends and many needs. On their part, the American Councils and KAEF expressed their gratitude for the continuous support by President Osmani and highly appreciated the help provided this year by the Government of Kosovo through the allocation of funds which guarantee the continuation of the work and establishment of additional opportunities for many more students in the years to come. American Councils also operates in the Republic of Kosovo and is an umbrella organization of several study programs in the United States of America, supported by the US Government. One of these programs is also the KAEF program, through which over 113 students have pursued their master’s studies in the United States with full scholarships.
The President: People with Down syndrome have a lot to offer and for this reason, we must ensure that their talents and abilities are recognized and appreciated
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani stated that International Down Syndrome Day is in the function of promoting awareness, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Below is President Osmani’s entire message: International Down Syndrome Day is in the function of promoting awareness, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. We need a joint commitment for a society where everyone is valued for who they are and where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. By challenging our prejudices, we create an inclusive society where everyone feels welcome and valued. People with Down syndrome have a lot to offer and for this reason, we must ensure that their talents and abilities are recognized and appreciated.
President Osmani in a telephone conversation with the President of Israel Isaac Herzog: Kosovo is committed to the expansion of cooperation with Israel
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani today held a significant conversation with the President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog, as part of the ongoing communications with counterparts of amicable countries. In this telephone conversation between the heads of state of the Republic of Kosovo and the State of Israel, the two leaders discussed the bilateral relations between the two states and the possibilities for their expansion. President Osmani and President Herzog discussed the potential for increased cooperation in the fields of defense, cultural heritage and innovation, with both interlocutors highly appreciating the ever-growing partnership between the two countries. In this direction, President Osmani emphasized the importance of deepening of diplomatic cooperation in support of Kosovo’s membership in international organizations. President Herzog cordially thanked President Osmani for Kosovo’s support to Israel and invited President Osmani for an official visit to Israel. He also took the opportunity to congratulate the month of Ramadan to the Muslim believers, Easter to the Christian believers and Passover to the Jewish believers. In the end, President Osmani conveyed her best wishes to all the people of the State of Israel.
The President: Only together may we create a future where gender equality is a reality for everyone
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani visited today e “Faik Konica” primary school, where she discussed women, peace and security with the pupils of this school. “In an inspiring conversation with students of the Faik Konica school in the capital, we discussed the transformative ability of women’s activism and engagement in all spheres of society, as well as the essential role of our young women and men in gender equality,” stated President Osmani said. President Osmani also spoke of the efforts to empower women and girls in our country. “Efforts for the empowerment of women and girls in our country, as well as addressing the challenges surrounding the integration of women in peace and security processes, are guided by the actions of everyone, including the young champions I spoke to today. They are a true catalyst of positive change in our country”, emphasized Madam President. President Osmani also added that only together may we create a future where gender equality is a reality for everyone.
Joint media statement by President Vjosa Osmani and the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar
President Osmani decreed 21 prosecutors with an initial mandate
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, upon a proposal by the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council, decreed today 21 prosecutors with an initial mandate of three years, who will be appointed in basic prosecution offices. At the swearing-in ceremony, President Osmani emphasized that the integrity and professionalism of the prosecutors are essential elements of a justice system that guarantees equality and citizens’ trust. In this context, President Osmani called upon the new prosecutors to engage in an independent, unbiased and professional justice system. The new prosecutors swore that during the performance of their duties, they will always remain faithful to the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, the laws in force and will respect the rules of professional ethics.
President Osmani’s address at the opening of the 2023 International Tourism Fair
Honourable Mr Hoti, thank you very much for the invitation, Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Redzepi Honourable Minister Hajdari Honourable Mayors of Prishtina and Ulqin, Honourable Deputy Minister from Montenegro, Honourable Ambassadors, Business representatives, Honourable participants; I am very happy to be here today, at the opening of the International Tourism Fair Kosovo 2023, where tourist offers will be promoted and which represent a combination of tourism with culture, economy and tradition, important factors in shaping the tourism industry. Tourism, as you all know, contributes significantly to the economic growth of the state as it involves the movement of people from one place to another for the purpose of enjoying free time, business, and visiting local sites and monuments of cultural heritage. Today, tourism as a global industry creates or generates many jobs and income for our citizens. It promotes cultural exchange, encourages environmental conservation and also serves to promote peace and understanding. Culture is an essential aspect of tourism. People travel to get to know new cultures, taste different foods and learn about the history of different countries. Cultural tourism can help preserve and promote our traditions and our heritage. Tourists are also willing to pay for these unique cultural experiences, as we have seen in Pristina and other cities with visits to museums, attending festivals or even exploring historical sites. This Fair, of course, has gathered various activities from tourist hotel operators, restaurants, guesthouses, various producers, tourism associations, public institutions and municipalities. In fact, some of the municipalities of Kosovo have tourism as part of their strategic development plans. This is very beneficial not only for the municipalities but also for every business and every activity that can be carried out in the country. Thus, Kosovo represents a very important tourist link between neighbouring countries, such as Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Kosovo’s geographic position creates an extraordinary opportunity for tourists, who will be able to visit Kosovo and the neighbouring countries easily and within a short period of time. With the states which I mentioned we are connected by similar common history, language, similar cultural traditions, as well as cultural heritage. Kosovo has tremendous tourist potential with its natural beauties, such as Brezovica, Prevalla, Germia, Sharri Mountains, Bjeshkët e Nemuna, Rugova gorge, Bajgora, Mirusha waterfall, Badovc, Drini i Bardhë river source, Batllava, The bifurcation of the Nerodime river and many, many others. Kosovo is no less beautiful than the many other countries we visit. In fact, there are extraordinary beauty spots, it suffices to protect them at all costs, and above all to promote them as a state. The tourist offer of Kosovo is wider than that. Each of the tourists can experience a fantastic visit to the Gadime Cave, the Radac Cave or the Kusari Cave. Today, tourism and intercultural communication cannot be seen separately. The cultural activities which Kosovo organizes, are put precisely in the function of tourism, knowing the fact that visitors to cultural events do not stop there. Our country is consolidating day by day on the global map with cultural activities that have crossed our borders. “Sunny Hill Festival”, “Dokufest”, “Pri Film Fest”, DAM Festival, International Poetry Festival “Polip”, “Chopin Fest”, “Remusica”, “Anibar”, “Jazzfest”, “Manifesta”, Mural Fest Kosovo, as well as many theatre and film festivals in the municipalities, have transformed Kosovo into a point of cultural and economic tourism. These cultural events have turned into economic activities, also due to the influx of tourists, but also the employment of individuals and different companies for months. Within the framework of numerous activities, I cannot fail to mention in particular “Dokufest” and “Sunny Hill Festival”, which are two cultural organizations that have not only created a tradition but have transformed Kosovo into an unsurpassed address for filmmakers as well as music lovers from the region and the world. Among the activities that resonate with our country was the “Manifesta, European Nomadic Biennial”, held last July and in which 30 countries participated during concentrated activities for 100 days. This proved that Kosovo has an extraordinary potential for this cultural tourism and we must continue to work hard to transform our country into an address for events with a regional and global character. Honourable participants Kosovo has extraordinary potential in many sections of cultural heritage, including the Ulpiana Archaeological Park, various museums throughout the municipalities, archaeological sites and religious objects. But there is still a lot of work to be done in the field of tourism. In this regard, I have to mention the digitalisation of touristic destinations, which is one of the main goals of Kosovo’s institutions. We should aim to make Kosovo part of the tour packages of Europe, not only of the Balkans, making it possible for tourists from different countries of the globe, from all continents to list our country as their destination. As we continue to promote tourism, let’s do this in a sustainable manner, simultaneously protecting the environment, believing in the possibilities of our state, in the potential, but also in the prosperous offers, which make Kosovo an attractive place for tourist visits. It is our joint obligation to make Kosovo an important tourist destination not only once, but continuously!
President Osmani received the only Kosovar in the NBA elite basketball league
The President of the Republic Vjosa Osmani received the Kosovar basketball player Edona Thaqi, who is attaining a successful career in the elite NBA basketball league in the USA. President Osmani congratulated basketball player Thaqi on her achievements in basketball and emphasized that her affirmation is also an affirmation of Kosovo in the international arena, where Kosovar girls are carrying out illustrious performances in many sportive disciplines. Ms. Thaqi announced that during the summer she will be holding a training camp with young female basketball players with coaches from abroad.
President Osmani’s address. at the tenth edition of Women’s Week
Honourable Ambassador Soderberg, Honourable Zeinah Salahi, Head of USAID, Honourable Ms. Stocker, Head of the Swiss Development Corporation, Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Members of Parliament, Honourable mayors, Dearly beloved girls and women and all of you here with us today, Thank you for the invitation to one of the most important events of the year in these last 10 years, because it is always a great pleasure to be part of Women’s Week, and of course, this is the right moment to thank those who started this very event, the Group of Women Members of Parliament, who, inspired by the icon of our freedom and independence, Mrs Madeleine Albright, moved ahead towards the empowerment of women and girls and throughout this journey we constantly had the support of NDI, so thank you once again! The National Democratic Institute, which we all know as NDI, today marks an important chapter in the history of its work and activity in the Republic of Kosovo. This is a jubilee year for one of the most important annual events in our country. It’s 10 ongoing years of Women’s Week; an event which has precious value for its unparalleled contribution to the advancement of the position of women and the promotion of gender equality in public life in the country. For the tireless work, for the unparalleled ambition and dedication, to Ambassador Soderberg, to the NDI staff, to the Group of Women MP’s and to all the others who contributed over the years, we are truly very grateful. Honourable participants, Diversity, equality and inclusion lie at the very foundation of a democracy that breathes the spirit of equality. Starting from these premises and working towards their implementation, we increase the likelihood of getting closer and closer to the building of a stable democracy. But at the centre of every action is civic activism – are the citizens themselves. Hence, democracy is a result of comprehensive social engagement. If we try to break it down into smaller pieces, democracy is a set of individual actions that contribute to the construction of the collective good and which, with the proper institutional support, can be translated into the continuous promotion of democratic values, which ultimately results in the strengthening of universal democracy. The women and men of Kosovo, our girls and boys, our citizens, following their ideals, have contributed to the history of our country and laid the foundation that has made changes possible. They have supported democracy. Therefore, any effort to advance democracy can only be successful when the voice of the citizens is strengthened – of all of them, without distinction. Of women and men, without distinction. Then the institutions have the task of providing support and resources but also strategic orientation, which creates the necessary infrastructure such as the institutionalization of individual acts. And this will, this commitment, exists today more than ever. If we want a strong democracy, then we need empowered citizens. When opportunities for participation and engagement are created for citizens, the level of responsibility of institutions begins to increase more and more, transparency increases and accountability raises. The engagement of each of you in this room brings an additional advantage to our journey toward further enlargement of democracy. Because, in reality, democracy is never a finished project. It requires constant maintenance, nurturing and strengthening. A proper democracy is a democracy that actively contributes to the improvement and advancement of the position of women in society. A healthy democracy is a democracy that lives on the principle of gender equality. Although our Republic is only 15 years old, our citizens have proven over the years that they understand the essential importance of women’s inclusion in institutional and public life. In 15 years of traversing, Kosovo remains the leading country in the region and beyond with two female presidents in its recent history; a parliamentary composition that goes beyond the gender quota; with a government where women are more represented and have a stronger voice than ever before; but above all, Kosovo is today the country that has an unwavering commitment to further advance gender equality in the country. The reality is that engagement, unfortunately, is not uniform. Certain institutions work with higher intensity and some have taken this issue significantly less seriously. But, every day it is becoming more and more clear that when women lead; when women’s voices are heard; when women are involved in policy-making and decision-making; the results are concrete and progress is inevitable. However, the successes in the capital city should not overshadow the need for increased engagement to extend equality and inclusiveness to every corner of Kosovo. We must mobilize so that we do not allow ourselves to be caught in the trap of complacency. Especially not, when women are still killed in our country. Because there is still a lot of work to be done beyond the representation of women in decision-making at the central level, starting from their empowerment at the local level, and continuing to the elimination of any injustice and inequality that they face either at home, at work, in the street or even within the digital space. In these 10 years of Women’s Week, NDI has managed to touch the lives of many women and girls who have not had the opportunity to be part of discussions or working groups, let alone be part of decision-making. Many of them are among us today. They are leading the change, they are the change itself. I also started from the end row where you are sitting today, then in the second year I sat a little closer, in the third year closer and today I speak as the President of the Republic. In a few years, you who are sitting there at the end will be here, addressing the participants of Women’s Week in my place. However, I cannot fail to mention the excellent work of many other local and international partners, civil society organizations in the country, but also of many
President Osmani commemorates the 24th anniversary of the massacre at the Mitrovica market
The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has commemorated the 24th anniversary of the massacre at the Mitrovica market, where six people were killed, including women and children with 128 Albanian residents injured. President Osmani’s full post: 24 years ago, the army and police of the Serbian genocidal regime assaulted with grenades Mitrovica market killing six people, including women and children with 128 Albanian residents injured. Today is a day of sorrow and reflection hence we respectfully remember the lives lost and the resilience of the survivors of this barbarism. Proclaiming the truth about crimes like this remains our determination, always and everywhere, as well as to engage to the maximum to ensure that justice is served.